Veterans Transition Center fundraiser to benefit homeless veterans

MARINA >> Monterey County's homeless military veterans will be the beneficiaries of a trio of events this week, all organized by the Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County and aimed at, among other things, helping finance the group's Stand Down event in August.

Stand Down is a three-day, biannual event scheduled in August that provides food, clothing, shelter, and a wide variety of services — including medical, dental, legal and veterinary — to homeless veterans, their families, and their pets.

The most recent census estimated that more than 1,000 veterans are homeless in Monterey County.

"We had almost 300 veterans at our 2012 Stand Down event, and we'll anticipate 300 to 400 at this year's event," said Ret. Air Force Col. Terry Bare, executive director of the VTC.

"This is our way of offering these people who have sacrificed so much for our country a respite from their day-to-day lives," Bare said.

The VTC erects a tent city at the location, where veterans are provided with food, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, medical and dental care, legal assistance, employment assistance and other services. The SPCA for Monterey County will be on hand to provide veterinary services and other care for pets. Special housing will be available for women and families. There is no charge to attendees.

"Stand Down will be held on U.S. Army property, in a fenced area, and it's a clean-and-sober event," Bare said. "Attendees will be asked to check any booze, drugs, weapons or contraband at the gate — it's an amnesty-type thing — to provide a secure environment for the veterans and their families. It's an opportunity for us to help these people to get some things straightened out in their lives, get themselves back on solid footing, and hopefully reintegrate more easily into society."

This week's events

The VTC's Memorial Day week fundraising festivities begin Tuesday evening at Martinez Hall, 220 12th St., Marina, where the Coming Home Festival will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The outdoor event will include entertainment, games, music, food and prizes. There is no admission charge, but festival-goers are asked to donate canned food, gently used furniture, household goods and clothing for homeless veterans and their families.

Next Saturday's VTC Car Show, also at Martinez Hall, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free to the public and will include food, prizes, raffles and awards in six classes for the classic vehicles. All money collected from concessions and donations will benefit the VTC's transitional housing program.

The America Legion Hall in Marina (694 Legion Way), sponsored by the Marina Foundation, costs $25 for a buffet supper, and will include ceremonies honoring veterans who died or went missing in action. Doors open at 5 p.m., ceremonies begin at 6.

Reservations for the banquet can by made by calling Marina American Legion Hall at 717-4117. Additional information about any of these events can be obtained by contacting the Veterans Transition Center at 883-8387.